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freckleduck's review against another edition
2.0
I am not sure I have the same type of humor as the author. I appreciated his voice and authenticity, but this was not the book for me.
maa_pix's review against another edition
4.0
If you like a quick read, a quirky read, a humorous read, I recommend this memoir. I first heard of Mike Birbiglia via This American Life and The Moth podcasts. If you have heard him there and like his storytelling style, I can absolutely recommend this book. Several of his radio pieces were taken from (or were inspiration for) this book, so you might find some of the chapters familiar. He talks mainly about his family, his early experiences with girls, his efforts to start his comedic career, and finally his experiences with sleepwalking.
His storytelling style is consistant throughout the book. Read the first two chapters and if you like what you're reading, finish the book. If not, then stop. I found myself laughing out loud at least once every two-to-three pages throughout the book, which is very rare for me. This was a very pleasing summer read.
P.S. I agree with some of the other comments that the audio version of this book -- if read by the author -- would likely be very good.
His storytelling style is consistant throughout the book. Read the first two chapters and if you like what you're reading, finish the book. If not, then stop. I found myself laughing out loud at least once every two-to-three pages throughout the book, which is very rare for me. This was a very pleasing summer read.
P.S. I agree with some of the other comments that the audio version of this book -- if read by the author -- would likely be very good.
aurelyarose's review against another edition
I'm so behind on my reading goal... I wanted something short and comforting... And Birgilia'a stand up has been one of my comfort routines when I am in an funk for a few years.
Many of the stories (if not all) were taken straight from his routines. While I have largely been pleased with his ability to tell a story in his comedy specials. I felt this fell slightly flat though perhaps largely due to the lack of his delivery. I love his delivery in his routines, but that doesn't translate to a book format.
I was bothered by his use of the r-word I believe a total of 3 times... But the book came out in 2010, which wasn't that long ago, but is about when I became aware of the movements to end the use of that word. Because that is when they gained momentum? Or because that is when I was becoming an adult? I don't know.
Many of the stories (if not all) were taken straight from his routines. While I have largely been pleased with his ability to tell a story in his comedy specials. I felt this fell slightly flat though perhaps largely due to the lack of his delivery. I love his delivery in his routines, but that doesn't translate to a book format.
I was bothered by his use of the r-word I believe a total of 3 times... But the book came out in 2010, which wasn't that long ago, but is about when I became aware of the movements to end the use of that word. Because that is when they gained momentum? Or because that is when I was becoming an adult? I don't know.
lavoiture's review against another edition
4.0
When I first heard Mike Birbiglia's story on This American Life about jumping out of the window when he was sleeping, I almost peed my pants because I was laughing so hard. I find his dry humor absolutely hilarious. I wish he were my real-life buddy.
mothra's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a closet stand-up fan and Birbiglia is one of my current favorites. This book duplicates a fair amount of his stand-up material (and his National Public Radio bits) verbatim. That said, he's a comedian who clearly crafts every single word of every bit--so the fact that he would repeat bits word for word is not surprising.
This book is worth reading for Birbiglia's epic stories of sleepwalking alone. There are several other stories that are classics in the making, too. Plus, if you were a Mitch Hedberg fan, you'll also really enjoy the chapter were he talks about the influence Hedberg had on his early career.
This book is worth reading for Birbiglia's epic stories of sleepwalking alone. There are several other stories that are classics in the making, too. Plus, if you were a Mitch Hedberg fan, you'll also really enjoy the chapter were he talks about the influence Hedberg had on his early career.
nhelregel's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a pretty big Mike Birbilia fan; as in, will watch any of his stand-up, love his NPR/Moth/TAL pieces, and have been trying to see him live for a while. Had actually seen his movie of the same name before reading the book. The book has a lot more about his childhood. I think the book is improved by being a fan; the humor comes through more when you read it with his voice. For those new to Birbiglia, I would suggest the audiobook. Overall, very funny with more poignant/sad bits than his stand-up has (understandably so). Would recommend to fans! Also, check out the movie; it's lovely!
ula_j's review against another edition
4.0
I think I spent 3/4 of my time reading this book laughing out loud. It's truly hilarious. I almost gave it a 5 but it's his first book and while I love me some Birbiglia on TAL, it still kind of feels like disjointed radio essays put into book format. He definitely wanders off topic a lot, sometimes in a way that works, and other times you completely forget why he started talking about it. Another super quick read, I think it was about 4 bus rides to finish.
sarahjoyce's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes it's good to laugh at yourself, and that's exactly what Mike Birbiglia does in this memoir. Mike created a perfect balance between personal, funny and serious - meaning almost all of his stories are very personal, laugh at loud funny and rarely heavy enough that it'll bring down your mood. If you're a fan of his stand-up you'll find a lot of overlap, but in a good way. Things like Birbiglia's Like Fun jokes develop into something more. It's more like he has decided to acknowledge his stand up, but take it on a different journey for his first book -which I really appreciated.
At 191 pages, Sleepwalk With Me is a quick read. I tore through the pages like a house on fire. I spent all of yesterday on a less then pleasant train ride, and usually during these rides I turn to Mike's comedy albums to give me a few laughs and keep my spirit up but this time I decided reading would be a better use of my time. There were still parts where I laughing out loud and having the time of my life, and I didn't have to worry about those silly ear-buds falling out ever five seconds!
There is a lot of honest in Sleepwalk With Me. At 32 Birbiglia admits he's a bit young for a memoir, not wanting anyone to think he's 'wrapping it up'. I particularly liked his brief section on Mitch Hedberg, which, along with his sleepwalking stories are the most serious of the entire book. This is one of the better comedic memoir's I've read this year, and it really exceeded my expectations. If you're in need of a pick me up you should totally pick this one up.
At 191 pages, Sleepwalk With Me is a quick read. I tore through the pages like a house on fire. I spent all of yesterday on a less then pleasant train ride, and usually during these rides I turn to Mike's comedy albums to give me a few laughs and keep my spirit up but this time I decided reading would be a better use of my time. There were still parts where I laughing out loud and having the time of my life, and I didn't have to worry about those silly ear-buds falling out ever five seconds!
There is a lot of honest in Sleepwalk With Me. At 32 Birbiglia admits he's a bit young for a memoir, not wanting anyone to think he's 'wrapping it up'. I particularly liked his brief section on Mitch Hedberg, which, along with his sleepwalking stories are the most serious of the entire book. This is one of the better comedic memoir's I've read this year, and it really exceeded my expectations. If you're in need of a pick me up you should totally pick this one up.